Following the creation of the parks Pingualuit (2004), Kuururjuaq (2009) and Tursujuq (2013), the region's attention focused on Ulittaniujalik. Set in a unique environment, this protected territory and its mountains were worked by the gradual retreat of an ancient glacial lake: the positions of former shorelines are still visibly etched across the landscape. It is these rock streaks that have lent the park its name, known by Inuit and Naskapi as 'the place where there are shorelines'. Discovery of the park's landscapes and biodiversity will be enabled by a multitude of outdoor visitor activities: canoe-camping, trekking, snowshoeing, back-country skiing, dogsledding and more. Guided and independent packages will be organized for all skill levels once the park opens for operations.

Park development

Initially known as the Monts-Pyramides national park project after one of the territory's characteristic formations, Ulittaniujalik encompasses all the wealth of the George River Plateau. The magnificent tundra blankets the plateau, while stands of boreal forest carpet the valley floors. The plateau serves as the calving grounds for congregations of female caribou of the George River herd. Despite its northern location, the park's wildlife is very diverse and typical of the region. The park provides opportunities to observe more than one hundred species of mammals, birds and fish, including notably wolves, caribou, black bear, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, salmon and arctic char.

As with all Nunavik parks, the virtually unchanged natural environment of Ulittaniujalik makes it a rare destination in the modern world. It will permit genuine ecotourism adventures led by local guides proud to promote the discovery of their territory: the George River, the Ford River and Mount Pyramid. The uniqueness of the territory is best illustrated by the fact that it is still used by the inhabitants of the region for the practice of traditional activities.

National parks

The national park concept is implemented around the globe and Québec national parks are managed to maintain this balance between natural and cultural heritage conservation and public access. Under the direction of Nunavik Parks, Ulittaniujalik was achieved through six years of collaboration between local communities, municipalities and landholding corporations, scientists, the Kativik Regional Government, the Makivik Corporation, and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (forests, wildlife and parks). In accordance with the mission of national parks in Québec, this park will facilitate discovery of this protected territory, as well as of its natural and cultural diversity.

A rich cultural and historical heritage

First Nations and Inuit have shaped the identity and history of Northern Québec, as witnessed by the many archaeological sites catalogued in the north and south of the region. These sites provide evidence of traditional knowledge and the ingenuity of many generations to adapt to a rugged environment. In Nunavik, Inuit are largely present. Notwithstanding, in the Mount Pyramid area, there also exist traces of more than 3000 years of Amerindian occupation by Cree, Innu and Naskapi. The occupation of the territory by local populations continues today. Used by Inuit and Naskapi, the region is also the setting for recreational tourism and outfitting activities. Bob May, manager of the George River trading post from 1943 to 1952, was the first to construct outfitting camps on the George River. Still today, historical camps near Mount Pyramid and Helen Falls remain in operation. The conservation and development goals of Ulittaniujalik are in line with those of the nearby Parc national Kuururjuaq and Torngat Mountains National Park.

The creation of Parc national Ulittaniujalik opens a new chapter for nature, historical, outdoor and genuine-experience enthusiasts. Stay in touch. Follow us on
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Picture: François Léger-Savard

​Nunavik's fourth national park has now been officially created! Covering 5,293 km2 and offering protection to a large portion of the majestic George River Plateau, Ulittaniujalik has become the second largest park in Québec. Renowned for its expansive landscapes, ancestral culture and welcoming inhabitants, Nunavik has a new park to celebrate its rich heritage through the prestigious Parcs Québec network.